RUSSELL W. DeMENT III

Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is a highly experienced Raleigh criminal trial lawyer who has spent decades defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in both North Carolina state and federal courts.

As the senior managing partner of the firm founded by his father, Rusty has built upon his family’s legal legacy. His journey in criminal defense began as an Assistant District Attorney, where he gained invaluable insight into prosecution tactics, trial strategy, and jury dynamics. This early experience provided him with the skills necessary to defend clients facing serious charges such as murder, assault, property crimes, and drug offenses.

Over the years, Rusty has earned a distinguished reputation for successfully defending DWI charges. His commanding courtroom presence, combined with his strategic approach, consistently helps secure the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Rusty's legal expertise has been widely recognized by his peers through numerous professional accolades. He has been selected to Best Lawyers in America in the Criminal Defense Practice Section since 2019, the DUI/DWI Defense Section since 2020, and was named Raleigh DUI Lawyer of the Year in 2021. He is consistently included in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, as well as North Carolina Super Lawyers since 2020. Rusty also holds the prestigious AV Preeminent Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is a Fellow at both the National College for DUI Defense and the Litigation Counsel of America.